Red Rock Canyon State Park General Plan Revision

Current News

The Department kicked off general plan process for the Red Rock Canyon State Park in January 2018. Check back frequently for more information about the project schedule and public involvement opportunities.

If you would like to receive project updates and upcoming events, please send your email address or other contact information to RedRockGP@parks.ca.gov.

Why a General Plan is Important

A General Plan is a broad-based policy document that establishes a long-range vision, goals, and guidelines for park management. A General Plan also provides direction on future recreation opportunities, resource management, visitor facilities, park improvements, services, and programs. An Environmental Impact Report (EIR) will prepared as part of this planning process as required by the California Environmental Quality Act. The EIR will evaluate potential environmental effects associated with implementation of the General Plan proposals.

Project Background

In January 1982, a General Plan was approved for Red Rock Canyon State Park. The unit consisted of 3,015 acres, with the Department negotiating for an additional 6,400 acres of adjacent land from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The general plan proposed a number of improvements for the park, as well as policies to protect the scenic resources. Through subsequent land acquisitions and agreements, the Park has grown to about 27,000 acres.

In 1994, the California Desert Protection Act (CDPA) was signed into law. The law provides for certain lands within the California Desert Conservation Area to be transferred to the State of California and incorporated with the existing Red Rock Canyon State Park. The intent of this action as defined by the CDPA, is to provide maximum protection of the region’s outstanding scenic and scientific values.

Following the CDPA, the BLM began the process of transferring 20,500 acres (Last Chance Canyon Addition) to California State Parks. The result of which effectively tripled the size of the Park. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was developed between the two agencies so that land not yet conveyed, or not able to be immediately conveyed due to encumbrance of unpatented mining claims, might be properly managed. The MOU gives the Department management responsibility for all 20,500 acres, regardless of the status of conveyance, with the exception of the mining claims.

The purpose of this planning effort is to revise/update the current general plan to include the new properties added since 1982, and establish clear goals and guidelines for future management, development, access, and use of Park properties in their relationship with adjacent public lands and appropriate uses.